| What is the highest liquid temperature Cat Pumps can handle? |
| Each installation should be judged on its own merits. Pumping higher temperature liquids can increase the risk of cavitation and cause premature wear of the seals. Liquid viscosity and vapor pressure change with increased temperature. Operation above 130 F is permissible, however, additional precautions should be taken to protect your pump. Special Seals and O-rings or a lower pump RPM may be necessary. Booster pump feed is generally recommended. For each degree above 130 F, the inlet pressure should be increased by ˝ PSI. Special consideration should also be given to handling by-pass liquid. Proper sizing of the holding tank and location of return by-pass line are critical in accommodating elevated temperatures. In systems with the by-pass routed back to the pump inlet, the installation of a Thermal Valve is necessary. Special FLUSHED PUMPS are best in applications from 180-200 F. The flushed pumps feature a specially ported inlet manifold that permits an external flush for lubricating and cooling. Contact our technical team for further recommendations on high temperature systems. |
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| What is the lowest liquid temperature a Cat Pumps® can handle? |
| Each installation must be judged on its own merits. Consideration should be given to the following:
LOW ATMOSPHERIC AND LIQUID TEMPERATURE:
1] A standard pump is appropriate for operation down to 32 F [zero C].
2] below 32 F [zero C] caution should be exercised to avoid crystalized liquids in the pump or freezing-up of the pump.
3] Below 15 F [-10 C] "approximately" the standard oil will become too thick and be ineffective in a cold start-up. An alternate low temperature oil would be necessary to assure proper lubrication of the drive-end and other considerations for the pump may be necessary.
4] Most elastomers are only rated to -22F [-30C] The pump would require special elastomers and the application should be reviewed with our technical team.
5] At approximately -45 F [-50C] all elastomers are severely affected and not suitable for operation. Consideration should also be given to metallurgical problems. A temperature controlled enclosure is essential.
TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIALS:
1] Pumping liquid that is lower in temperature than the atmospheric temperature can cause condensation at the back of the plunger and on the plunger rod. If this freezes, it is probable that the ice will damage the oil seals and Lo-Pressure Seals, as it is dragged through by the plunger motion. Consult our technical team for further review of this severe application. |
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| What is the normal crankcase temperature? |
| The typical crankcase temperature of a Cat Pumps® is around 120-140F.
Some of the higher RPM [1725-3450 RPM] models may run in the 150-180F range.
If the temperature of your crankcase seems unusually warm, it may be
due to a low oil level or contamination of your oil. Change the crankcase oil immediately with the specified amount shown in the pump Data Sheet using the Cat Pumps' special formula, hydraulic oil. Then observe the temperature after a few hours of operation. If the temperature still seems unusually warm, it could be due worn bearings or a rough crankshaft. Contact your local service center for drive-end servicing.
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| What is thermal shock? |
| Many products expand and contract due to changes in environmental temperature or liquid temperature. The components in CAT PUMPS are designed to withstand normal temperature changes. However, with sudden and severe temperature changes in liquid temperature [hot to cold], damage to the ceramic plungers may occur. This is called thermal shock and will appear as a spider cracking or even splitting of the ceramic plunger. Plungers should be replaced as soon as any spider cracking is seen. |
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